Here's a general guideline:
* Flash fiction: Less than 1,000 words, usually 1-5 pages.
* Short story: Typically 1,000-7,500 words, roughly 5-30 pages.
* Novelette: 7,500-17,500 words, about 30-70 pages.
* Novella: 17,500-40,000 words, approximately 70-160 pages.
Important factors:
* Font and formatting: Larger fonts and wider margins can make a story appear longer than it is in terms of word count.
* Genre: Some genres, like science fiction, tend to have longer short stories than others, like romance.
* Publisher's guidelines: If you're submitting your work, check the publisher's specific word count or page limits.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a story is "short" is to consider its scope, plot development, and character depth. If it feels like a complete and satisfying narrative within a reasonable length, it can be classified as a short story, even if it exceeds the traditional word count.